Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia W. Vaughn.
Tia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As funny as it may sound, the first artist that caught my attention was Bob Ross…I was maybe 7 years old. I spent alot of my extra time being glued to PBS and being mesmerized by how he would easily make mountains and trees. I’d sit there and try to recreate his paintings best I could and even pretended I was beating my brush against an easel as he did. I always loved when he did that! Fast forward to junior high where I took my first art class at Baldwin Jr. In Montgomery, AL. That really made me fall in love with art because I learned so much in just a semester. After that, I painted when I could and after college, when I moved to Dallas, I entered a few art competitions. Then, so much life happened but my mom introduced me to jewelry making but I still wanted to paint. So, I studied, experimented, and figured out a way to combine the two! I’ve been able to perfect my craft and have so much collaborating, customizing, and just having fun with it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenge for me has been being confident in my creations and not feeling intimidated because someone else’s may look “better.” Fact is, there is no better. Everyone’s creations are unique to them and can’t be fully copied.
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Mostly, I’m at the mercy of suppliers and the logistics of it all. Quality is my top must have before I create anything- not all suppliers are the same. Luckily I’ve found the best… finally. Another challenge was being confident in the quality of my work. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to that and I’ve had to learn to find the beauty in something that maybe didn’t turn out as perfect as I’d want. Usually, people like the imperfections that come with art and that makes this whole thing even more fun.
Also, sometimes people aren’t as receptive as I’d want or the cash flow isn’t what I want. You can’t get wrapped up in that. So, my advice is to be clear about what your purpose is. Find your own joy in what you’re doing and don’t rely on people accepting you and only finding joy in that. Having your own joy will get you through the times when things may not be going exactly the way you want and will help motivate you through the tough times.
Finding your “tribe” is the best too. By that I mean the real brand ambassadors that have your back in everything you do, whether it’s buying from you or helping spread the word about your brand. I appreciate any sale on any day but I love the clients who really appreciate the time, art, and work that’s gone into each piece.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about TarteLaine Designs – what should we know?
So, I’ve combined art on canvas with jewelry designing. I basically create tiny paintings and embed them in jewelry settings. I love a vintage feel like an old painting in a tarnished frame. So, I started my line with antique gold/bronze settings. After I embed the painting, it’s set with a clear covering so that it looks framed. You’re basically wearing a framed piece of artwork as a ring, bracelet, earrings, or necklace.
After I perfected embedding paintings, I decided to embed anything… mostly rocks and stones. I love rocks, beads, and stones but I’ll embed anything pretty and fashion-forward. One of my favorite things is accenting with gold leaf.
I’ve also expanded my line to include more lux like pieces of 22k gold plated settings … high quality, of course.
I’m most proud that each piece is one of a kind. There may be similar colors or styles of settings but no one will ever see the same piece on someone else. My line is versatile and can be dressed up or down. I like that pieces can be worn casually but take the same pieces and dress it to be formal.
I’m also proud of being able to collaborate with other women for projects they’re working on. Supporting each other is so important and I love when I can do that.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I read more articles than books or blogs but my favorite topics are anything on being authentic, self-aware, confident, having good business etiquette, fashion trends and dos and don’ts, and anything on jewelry trends.
I also listen regularly to podcast and show, Doing it Right: The Stories that Make Us… with Valerie Sokolosky.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.tartelaine.com
- Phone: 2146049007
- Email: tartelainedesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tartelainedesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tartelaine/
- Twitter: @twvaughn
Image Credit:
Tia W. Vaughn
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
